About Durango

Durango, Colorado is a community in La Plata County, Colorado. This page consolidates verified public records resources for Durango, including law enforcement, court, vital, property, and government records.

Read more about public records in Durango

Durango is located in La Plata County, Colorado and had a recorded population of approximately 19,257 at the last census. County and state agencies serving La Plata County are the primary source for most government records affecting Durango residents.

Law enforcement in Durango is served by Laplata County Sheriff's Office. Arrest records, booking information, and incident reports are maintained by these agencies and can usually be requested in person, by mail, or via online portals where available.

Court case records for civil, criminal, family, and probate matters in La Plata County are maintained by the county trial court of general jurisdiction and, where applicable, by municipal or district courts. Statewide court case search tools published by the Colorado Judicial Branch can also be used to locate cases.

Birth, death, marriage, and divorce certificates for Durango residents are issued through the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (Vital Records), with local copies often available through the La Plata County Clerk's office. Real-property records (deeds, mortgages, liens) and parcel assessments are recorded with the county Clerk and Recorder and the county Assessor.

Most government records held by Colorado agencies are accessible under the Colorado Open Records Act, which sets a response window of 3 business days and requires agencies to publish procedures for written records requests. Certain records (juvenile, sealed, victim, and active investigation records) may be withheld or redacted under statutory exemptions.

Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement in Durango

Laplata County Sheriff's Office

Search for la plata county sheriff office instead?. From Business: La Plata County Information is a department of the county government in Durango, Colo. The department provides the citizens of La Plata County with a directory…. From Business: The La Plata County s Human Services Department consists of ten units responsible for administering a variety of programs that include public assistan

https://www.usa.gov/business

⚖️ Courts & Case Records in Durango

La Plata County Arrest, Court, and Public Records | StateRecords.org

The La Plata Clerk of Courts maintains county court records. Anyone in need of open court records can contact the Clerk of Courts via mail or in person. The office of the Clerk is: 1060, East 2nd Avenue Room 106 Durango, CO 81301 Phone: (970).

🔗 https://cdphe.colorado.gov/vital-records

🏠 Property & Public Records in Durango

Records Elsewhere | Durango, CO - Official Website

La Plata County Clerk and Recorder · Marriage Licenses / Civil Union Licenses · Phone: 970-382-6200 · Public records at the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment · Registries and Vital Statistics · Phone: 303-692-220 · The Durango Branch of the Colorado Division of Motor.

🔗 https://www.durangoco.gov/191/Records-Elsewhere

Public Records & Services in Durango

Public Schools

Official source: NCES Public School District Search
  • 🎓Public schools are administered by local school districts under state Department of Education oversight.
  • 📊School performance data, enrollment, and district boundaries are published by the state Department of Education and the National Center for Education Statistics (nces.ed.gov).
  • 📞Contact the local district office for enrollment, transcripts, or attendance records.
Public schools in Durango, La Plata County, Colorado are administered by the local school district. For information about school enrollment, academic performance, and school ratings, residents should contact the La Plata County school administration or the Colorado Department of Education. School district boundaries, student-teacher ratios, and test scores are available through the National Center for Education Statistics at nces.ed.gov.

Crime Data & Statistics

Official source: FBI Crime Data Explorer Crime data for Durango, La Plata County, Colorado is maintained by local law enforcement agencies. The La Plata County Sheriff's Office and local police departments report crime statistics to the FBI's Uniform Crime Reporting Program. Residents can access crime data through the FBI Crime Data Explorer or by contacting local law enforcement directly. For specific crime reports or incident data, submit a public records request to the Durango police department or the La Plata County Sheriff's Office.

Public Library Records Access

Official source: IMLS Library Search & Compare
  • 📚Public libraries provide free access to online databases, historical archives, and government-document collections.
  • 🔎Many libraries offer remote access to property records, court records, and genealogy resources with a valid library card.
  • 👤Reference librarians can assist with research, document retrieval, and government-records lookups.
The Durango Public Library provides access to various public records resources including online databases, historical archives, and government document collections. Library patrons can access property records, court records, and genealogy resources through the library's reference section. The La Plata County library system may offer additional branches and digital resources. Contact the library directly for hours, available databases, and research assistance.

Fingerprinting Services

Official source: FBI Identity History Summary Checks
  • 👆Fingerprinting for background checks, professional licensing, and employment screening is offered by local police and authorized providers.
  • 📅Most agencies require appointments; walk-in hours and fees vary by location.
  • 🪪Bring valid government-issued photo ID; some agencies accept fingerprint cards mailed in for processing.
Fingerprinting services for Durango, Colorado residents are available through local police (where present) and authorized third-party providers in La Plata County. Fingerprinting is commonly required for background checks, professional licensing, employment screening, and immigration applications. Contact local police (where present) or the Laplata County Sheriff's Office for scheduling, fees, and required documentation. The Colorado Attorney General or state police may also process fingerprint-based background checks.

About Durango — In Depth

Jail & Inmate Records

The La Plata County Detention Facility is the primary jail for the county, processing everyone arrested within its boundaries. Booking procedures include fingerprinting, photographing, and intake documentation. Residents seeking information about current detainees can use inmate lookup services provided through the Sheriff's Office. Visitation at the facility requires advance scheduling, and strict guidelines govern what items visitors may bring and how they must conduct themselves during visits.

Arrest Records

The La Plata County Sheriff's Office maintains all arrest records for Laplata County. Each record documents the circumstances of the arrest, charges filed, and identifying information about the arresting officer. Residents and legal representatives can request these records by contacting the Sheriff's Office and following protocols established under the Colorado Open Records Act. A standard arrest record contains the arrested individual's personal details, the criminal charges, and specifics about when and where the arrest occurred.

Criminal Records

Criminal records in La Plata County cover felony, misdemeanor, traffic violations, and the sex offender registry. Residents can request criminal records through the Sheriff's Office or the Colorado Bureau of Investigation's online portal. The system ensures access to criminal history information, aiding in employment checks, legal proceedings, and personal inquiries.

Vital Records

The La Plata County Clerk and Recorder's office is responsible for maintaining vital records for the Durango area, including birth, marriage, and death certificates. Residents can obtain copies of these records by visiting the Clerk and Recorder's office or by submitting a request online. The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment also maintains a statewide vital records database that can be accessed through their website at https://cdphe.colorado.gov/vital records.

Business & Licensing Records

Durango supports a diverse business community spanning tourism, agriculture, technology, and other industries that benefit from the mountain location. The City of Durango's Economic Development Department offers resources for entrepreneurs and established businesses alike, providing guidance on business licensing, zoning requirements, and available economic incentives. Companies operating in the area must also obtain a Colorado Business License through the state's Department of Revenue website at https://www.colorado.gov/pacific/revenue/colorado-business-registration.

Economy & Demographics

Durango's economy is driven by a diverse range of industries, including tourism, healthcare, education, and technology. The city's location in the heart of the Rocky Mountains makes it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, with activities such as hiking, skiing, and whitewater rafting drawing visitors from around the world. Durango is also home to Fort Lewis College, a public liberal arts university that contributes to the city's vibrant educational and cultural scene.

Elections & Voter Records

Durango voters are served by the La Plata County Clerk and Recorder Elections Division, located at 1060 East 2nd Avenue, Room 130, Durango, CO 81301 (phone: 970-382-6296, website: https://www.co.laplata.co.us/elections). This office administers all federal, state, county, and municipal elections for residents. Colorado voters can register online at https://www.sos.state.co.us/voter/pages/pub/olvr/findVoterReg.xhtml or in person at the Clerk's office, by mail, or at designated agencies.
Registration must be completed at least 29 days before an election to receive a mail ballot, though the state offers same-day voter registration during early voting and on Election Day. Online registration requires a valid Colorado driver's license or ID card number; first-time voters without state ID must provide the last four digits of their Social Security number. Municipal elections in the city occur in odd-numbered years, typically the first Tuesday in April, for mayor and city council positions. The next Durango municipal election is April 2025, with city council candidates and potentially ballot measures on the ballot. The mayor serves a four-year term and council members serve staggered four-year terms. Information on municipal candidates, measures, and results is available at https://www.durangogov.org/308/Elections or through the Laplata County Clerk. Colorado operates as a universal mail ballot state: all registered voters automatically receive a mail ballot 18-22 days before each election. Voters can return ballots by mail with no postage required, at 24-hour ballot drop boxes throughout Laplata County, or in person at Voter Service and Polling Centers. To find your specific polling location or drop box, visit https://www.govotecolorado.gov or call the Laplata County Clerk. Public election records in the state include voter registration lists (available with restrictions under § 1-2-227), campaign finance reports (viewable at https://tracer.sos.colorado.gov), candidate filings and statements, precinct-level results, and ballot measure text. Absentee voting in Colorado is automatic; all voters receive mail ballots. Military and overseas voters can request ballots electronically through the Federal Voting Assistance Program.
City Info
StateColorado
CountyLa Plata
Population19,257

Frequently Asked Questions

To register to vote in Durango, Colorado, residents can register online through the Colorado Secretary of State's website, by mail, or in person at the La Plata County elections office. Colorado requires voters to be U.S. citizens, at least 18 years old by Election Day, and residents of the state. The registration deadline is typically 30 days before an election. Voters can verify their registration status and find polling locations through the Colorado Secretary of State's voter lookup tool. For local municipal elections in Durango, contact the La Plata County Clerk's office for schedules and ballot information.
Property records for Durango, Colorado are maintained by the La Plata County Assessor's Office and the La Plata County Clerk and Recorder. The Assessor's Office is responsible for discovering, listing, and valuing all taxable property within La Plata County, including parcels in Durango. Records available include property ownership, assessed values, legal descriptions, parcel maps, and tax history. The La Plata County Clerk and Recorder maintains recorded documents including deeds, mortgages, liens, and easements. Many Colorado counties provide online property record searches through their county websites. The La Plata County Treasurer handles property tax payments and tax sale information.
Birth, death, and marriage records for Durango, Colorado residents are available through both county and state offices. The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, Vital Records Section, located in Denver, maintains statewide vital records and can issue certified copies of birth and death certificates for events occurring anywhere in Colorado. Orders can be placed online, by mail, or in person. Locally, the La Plata County Clerk's office issues marriage licenses and maintains marriage records for La Plata County. Birth and death certificates may also be available through local vital records offices. Requestors typically need to provide valid photo identification and proof of their relationship to the person named on the record. Processing times and fees vary by office and record type.